Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Caramelize the Onions for the Toast:**
Start by caramelizing the onions for the toast. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until they are soft and golden brown. You want them to become sweet and tender, so don’t rush the process! If they begin to brown too quickly, lower the heat to prevent burning. Once caramelized, set the onions aside.

#### 2. **Make the Tomato Soup:**
While the onions are cooking, prepare the soup. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Next, add the crushed tomatoes to the pot, followed by the broth, basil, oregano, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs if desired.

If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend everything until creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but let it cool for a few minutes before blending. If you like a chunkier soup, feel free to skip the blending step and keep the texture rustic.

#### 3. **Prepare the Cheese and Onion Toast:**
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler or heat a grill pan on the stovetop.

Lightly butter both sides of the bread slices. Once the onions are caramelized, spoon some of them onto each slice of bread. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Place the bread on a baking sheet under the broiler or on the grill pan. If using the broiler, toast the bread for 2-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on the bread to ensure it doesn’t burn.

If using a grill pan, toast the bread on both sides for about 2-3 minutes on medium heat, pressing the bread down slightly to ensure even browning. Once the cheese has melted and the bread is crispy, remove the toast from the heat.

#### 4. **Assemble and Serve:**
Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color.

Serve the soup alongside the cheesy onion toast, and enjoy! You can either dip the toast directly into the soup or serve it on the side for a satisfying crunch with each bite.

### Tips for Making the Best Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast:

1. **Use Fresh Tomatoes:** If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can substitute the canned tomatoes with about 6-8 medium ripe tomatoes. Just blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the soup.

2. **Adjust the Consistency:** If you prefer a thicker soup, add less broth or let the soup simmer for longer to reduce. For a thinner soup, you can add more broth or a splash of water.

3. **Experiment with Cheese:** While cheddar is the classic choice for cheese toast, you can mix things up with mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a sharp blue cheese for a unique twist. Mixing cheeses can also create a complex, melty topping.

4. **Add Some Spice:** If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or smoked paprika over the soup or toast for extra depth.

5. **Make It a Meal:** This dish is delicious on its own, but you can easily turn it into a more substantial meal by adding cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or even roasted vegetables to the soup. A side salad or a few pickles would also complement the soup nicely.

6. **Make the Soup Ahead:** The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop and add the cream just before serving. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just leave out the cream until reheating.

### Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:

1. **Quick and Easy:** This is a simple, one-pot meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, a cozy weekend lunch, or a quick dinner.

2. **Filling Yet Light:** Tomato soup is light enough to feel refreshing, yet hearty enough to leave you feeling satisfied, especially when paired with the cheesy, savory toast.

3. **Family-Friendly:** This dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a familiar, comforting meal that appeals to even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the cheesy toast makes it extra fun!

4. **Versatile:** You can tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. Add extra veggies, try different kinds of cheese, or even make a vegetarian version by skipping the meat and focusing on the flavorful tomatoes and caramelized onions.

### Conclusion:

**Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast** is the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to please. The creamy, tangy tomato soup is the perfect counterpart to the crispy, cheesy toast topped with sweet caramelized onions. Together, they create a dish that’s hearty, wholesome, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter day or simply in need of a cozy meal, this classic combo is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, heat up the soup, and indulge in this classic comfort food today!